For snapper, I would put 300 yds of 50# braid on a Fierce 6000 and pair it with Offshore Angler (Bass Pro brand) Freestyle Jigging rod in the 30-65lb class. You would be good to go on anything up to 50 lbs pretty easily. The total combo should put you right at $200.

The battle series has better drag washers than the fierce. I have two battle reels and would definitely recommend them for a beginner, but I'm sure the fierce works well too. I bought one new battle reel off ebay for less than $90, so I would double check before purchasing a fierce.

My 8500SS has done just fine pulling in fish. I used a 5500SS for everything for 10 years, and just moved to the Conquer 5000. Just bought a Conquer 7000 at Cabelas for $130 and will try it out Saturday, weather permitting.

I use the Penn Battle ($99 at BPS and Cabelas), my son uses the Fierce. I love my Battles, have 6 of them, from the 2000 - 8000! Awesome reels! I bought the Fierce for my son, little cheaper, he's 12, not as careful me. but I've had Zero trouble with either of them!